San Diego Cosmetic Dentists

How Do I Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist?

I am tempted to pick someone who takes my insurance plan.  Are there better ways to find someone good at cosmetic dentistry vs. general dental work?

All general dentist do cosmetic dentistry-for example,fixing a chipped or decayed front tooth,etc.  "Cosmetic dentists"-there is no official standard/accreditation for "cosmetic  dentist"-it is a self-proclaimed title- often over treatment plan patients for cosmetic procedures. Dr. Gordon Christiansen, one of the most highly respected voices of dentistry, has written frequently of the overtreatment of patients for cosmetics and the lack of  informed consent about the procedures.

Douglas Decker, DDS

San Diego Cosmetic Dentist

What Do I Do with my Very Badly Decayed Teeth?

I have very bad teeth...alot are broken off at gum line and the ones that are left are very decayed...what is my best option?

The most ideal approach would probably be extractions,implants and fixed bridges/prostheses. This can be very expensive and insurance typically does not cover much of it.You could try to find a dentist who understands a wide array of options and could set up a treatment plan to save some strategic teeth and make you removable partial dentures . Having the saved teeth would give you a lot more stability and comfort with the partial dentures than full dentures and would be a lot less expensive than the implant option.

Douglas Decker, DDS

San Diego Cosmetic Dentist

How Long Do You Need to Wait After Brushing to Whiten Your Teeth?

It seems most at home whitening kits say to not use them immediately after brushing your teeth. However, of course I want my teeth clean before I bleach so I get the best & most even result possible. How long does a person need to wait after brushing to start their whitening?

You should not need to wait an extended length of time to whiten you teeth after brusing.  It is recommended that the teeh be clean and free of plaque and tarter for the best results.

James D. Salazar, DDS

San Diego Cosmetic Dentist